Chronic pain is typically defined as an unpleasant sensation due to some form of tissue damage, persisting more than 3 months. It occurs in many diseases and entities, such as cancer, pathologies of the osteoarticular system, fibromyalgia, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. According to studies, chronic pain affects as much as 27% of the Polish population. This paper presents psychological models of chronic pain, including cognitive (Winterowd, Beck and Gruener), stress–appraisal–coping model (Thorn), or cognitive-behavioural model and the fear-avoidance model associated with the latter (Leeuw, Goossens, Linton and others). It also discusses chronic pain management protocols developed by Winterowd, Beck and Gruener, Otis and Thorn, with particular emphasis on protocol designed by Murphy. The secondary aim of this paper is a systematic review of the results of studies investigating the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy in the management of chronic pain. A holistic approach, addressing both the medical and the psychological aspect of a given disease, is essential in pain management, as psychological factors have a huge effect on both the occurrence as well as aggravation of chronic pain experience.